As a scholar at West Virginia University, Jeff Skousen has been – and continues to be – recognized for going above and beyond in the areas of outreach and scholarship.

The professor of soil science in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design was recently awarded the Golden Auger Award from the West Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists.

The award is presented annually by the association, in cooperation with the West Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Scientist, to recognize a person who has made significant contribution to soil science or to soil survey programs in the state of West Virginia.

“It is an honor to receive an award from my peers and from a group for which I have great respect,” he said. “I have been lucky to work in a discipline with so many great people, many of whom I consider my good friends. These friends include my wonderful colleagues at West Virginia University, scientists and practitioners in state and federal land management agencies, and a host of land and water scientists and consultants here in West Virginia and around the world. It has been a privilege to work among them. I am thrilled and flattered that this award was given to me.”

Earlier this year, Skousen, who also serves as a land reclamation specialist for WVU Extension Service, was presented the prestigious William T. Plass Award from the American Society of Mining and Reclamation.

Skousen has dedicated 29 years of his career to educating the WVU community, the people of West Virginia, and national and international scholars on the importance of soils and mined land reclamation.

He has shared his expertise with reclamation scholars in South Korea, and he successfully mentors both 4-H and FFA students to help them gain better understanding of soils and water science. Additionally, one of his current graduate students was recently awarded a national scholarship for her land reclamation research.

In recognition of his efforts, Skousen has received the Gerry and Ethel Heebink Award for Distinguished State Service twice, for beginning service in 1994 and for extended service in 2014.

-WVU-

law/11/23/15

CONTACT: Lindsay Willey, Public Relations Specialist
304-293-2381, Lindsay.Willey@mail.wvu.edu

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